Horse riding: increasingly popular

YOUNG Yorkshire riders and their ponies will be hoping to take the first steps to future equestrian glory at the prestigious Dengie Pony Club Show Jumping Championships at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, and Warwickshire this Saturday, 31st March 2007.

Emma Greenwood and pony it's A Breeze, from Barnsley, members of the Rockwood Harriers Branch of The Pony Club, will be among 100 competitors who have qualified at shows across the country to take place in these important Championships.

Ross Pearson and Hi Ho, from Halifax who are Members of the Ryburn Valley branch of The Pony Club, will be among 100 competitors who have qualified at shows across the county to take part, along with fellow Ryburn Valley member Shauny Brooksbank and Ricardo Gold, from Holmewood, Bradford.

Also taking part will be Harriet Thompson and What A Corker, from Pickering, members of the Sinnington Hunt Branch.

The Pony Club Dengie Winter League Show Jumping Competition was inaugurated in 1995 for the purpose of enabling Members to take part in an event suited to their level of performance. The aim is to improve their ability, enhance their experience and enable them to gain confidence.

There are three stages to this competition: preliminary rounds are held throughout the country from October to February and these qualify to go forward to one of 19 area competitions to qualify for the finals at Moreton Morrell.

The Pony Club is the biggest equestrian youth organisation in the country for both boys and girls with over 48,000 members spread across its 348 Branches and 417 Centres.